THAT'S A WRAP. Thank you all for your support! I loved this blog. Loved running it, loved writing it, loved coordinating contributing posts, and loved reading and responding to your emails. But truth be told, it was alot of work, I was on the road alot, daily applying the content of these posts to my own music career, and sinking in an ever-flowing, never-ending inbox of emails from you all...all while trying to write and post 2 weekly articles and update the older ones! Thank you for reading! I will never forget the day we reached 18,000 hits. I will keep this domain alive as long as I can so that you can always access the content. Much love to you all, Joy

More Tips on Booking Your Band

Last week’s post “Booking A Show – From Start to Finish” got alot of feedback! I guess there are some things that you just learn by experience, but knowing them ahead of time never hurts…especially if they can give you the extra advantage.

Bassist Seth Jackson who runs the blog How to Run a Band offered some additional advice for things you should know when you’re looking to book yourself or your band at a new venue. I especially like his very last point…because in this business its important to remember that a venue is booking you so they can sell tickets and drinks…not because you have a pretty voice.

3. Follow up with the club after the initial booking. Especially when it gets closer to your show. I’ve had a few clubs go out of business and not send any notice to the bands they booked.

4. After booking, follow up with both the club and the bands about promotion. Where to mail fliers and other promo material? I’ve mailed posters and post cards to clubs only to have the material returned.

5. Book well in advance of touring. 4 months ahead of time at least for a one to two week tour.

6. For small or new bands, try to book directly with the club. Avoid “promoters” or “booking agencies”. They take what little money the show earns and put in their pockets.

7. Make sure to list the show in the local papers. Don’t rely on the club.

8. Create e-mail templates. One template for initial contact. Another for post-booking.

9. Keep it friendly and don’t flake!

10. Only book where it’s reasonable to travel. If you need to travel over 6 hours to get to the club, really question if you can make it in time (or can afford the gas money).

About the author

Thank you for posting this! The above was learned from a few years of touring. I’m sure there’s going to be a few more lessons to come. One thing about the music biz, if you think you’ve seen it all, just wait ’til your next show.